In a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering women both economically and physically, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida today launched the Mission Shakti Self-Defence Training Programme for 5,000 women members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in its pilot phase.
The launch event was held at Mission Shakti Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, in the presence of Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the portfolios of Women & Child Development (WCD), Mission Shakti, and Tourism, highlighted the holistic approach to women’s empowerment. “Financial independence alone is not enough. Our women must also feel safe, confident, and dignified. This self-defence training will give them the strength and skills to move fearlessly, make independent decisions, and participate more actively in economic activities,” she said.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar praised the initiative, stating that such programmes provide essential institutional support for women’s safety and capacity building. She noted that these efforts help women become truly self-reliant and enable them to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
The self-defence and personal safety training programme is being implemented by the Department of Mission Shakti in collaboration with the National Commission for Women. In the pilot phase, it will benefit 5,000 SHG women across five districts: Khordha, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar, and Ganjam.
The initiative aims to enhance women’s mobility, promote safer participation in market linkages, and strengthen the foundation of women-led development in Odisha.
The event was also attended by Shobhna Mohanty, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women, Mansi Nimbhal (IAS), Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Mission Shakti Department, Shailendra Kumar Jena, Additional Secretary, Mission Shakti Department, along with other senior officials and stakeholders.
